Chapter Ten: S-Class Black-Crowned Golden Eagle

"No need, just tell me what you want. I’ll be going home after I finish the withdrawal procedures," Luo Yuan said calmly, glancing at Liu Ting before him. According to the information Luo Yuan had gathered, Liu Ting, much like Zhang Haobai, hailed from a wealthy family—but only moderately so. Both were notorious around Yian Third High School for their arrogance and overconfidence. Luo Yuan and Liu Ting were nothing more than ordinary classmates.

"Uh, Luo Yuan, since we're both advanced students at the Extreme Martial Arts School, and also classmates, I wanted to get to know you," Liu Ting said, her tone tinged with envy. "Instructor Jiang Nian from the school praised you yesterday, saying your footwork is nearly at the Subtle level. Among over a hundred advanced students in Yangzhou City, that's extremely rare." If her father hadn’t learned through his connections about this outstanding peer, Liu Ting wouldn’t have come here in person. If she could establish a good relationship with Luo Yuan now, they could look out for each other in the future as martial artists.

"I see. Liu Ting, I appreciate your kindness. I still have some things to take care of. Now that we've met, let's leave the rest for another time," Luo Yuan replied, clearly brushing her off. He had no intention of getting entangled with this unfamiliar woman.

Liu Ting was visibly annoyed. As a privileged heiress, she had lowered herself to approach this poor boy, only to be met with indifference. But she had no choice but to stamp her foot and leave.

The onlooking students in the classroom stared in shock at Luo Yuan reclining in his chair, speechless. Some of the sharper ones wanted to get closer to him, but shame made them lower their heads.

"Luo Yuan, when did you become an advanced student?" The class teacher, Cui Dashan, strode in suddenly, his tone ingratiating as he addressed Luo Yuan. Behind him were the dean and the principal.

Luo Yuan ignored Cui Dashan and looked directly at the dean and principal. The two immediately understood and handed him a small red booklet. Luo Yuan took it and glanced at the cover—it was a high school diploma. He couldn’t help but smile. These two certainly knew how to read the situation.

"Thank you," Luo Yuan said appreciatively. Such preferential treatment was rare.

With diploma in hand, Luo Yuan left Yian Third High School. He felt little attachment to the place, as it was still largely unfamiliar to him.

Next, Luo Yuan headed to the Extreme Martial Arts School to inquire about the quasi-martial artist assessment. He learned that the test was held on the first day of every month at the Extreme Martial Arts Headquarters in the city center, followed by a practical combat exam.

It was only May 10th now, nearly a month before the next assessment. He recalled that in the original story, Luo Feng took the quasi-martial artist exam on July 1st, and the practical combat assessment for all quasi-martial artists was on August 1st. Luo Yuan decided to take the exam a month early, on June 1st, since passing it would reward him with the Gene Primordial Energy Cultivation Method—"Five Hearts Facing Heaven." This would give him a month’s head start to improve his strength before the practical assessment.

Returning to Yian District, Luo Yuan made his way to his rented apartment. Suddenly, he sensed something above him. Looking up, he was stunned.

A massive Black-Crowned Golden Eagle was soaring over the city. Its body stretched more than twenty meters long, like a giant fighter jet. Its feathers gleamed with a cold metallic sheen, and its crown of jet-black feathers resembled a dark crown. Its razor-sharp golden talons and piercing blue eyes swept over the human city below, a faint murderous intent in its gaze.

With a boom, the eagle, already flying at great speed, suddenly accelerated, breaking the sound barrier in an instant and reaching a terrifying velocity. At the same time, it let out a shrill, high-pitched cry. The intense sound waves created visible shockwaves that swept rapidly downward.

The screech was piercing, unlike the explosive rumble of spring thunder. Thunder is loud and deafening, but this cry was sharp and painful. Luo Yuan felt his eardrums ache, his brows furrowing in discomfort. Many passersby clamped their hands over their ears.

As the high-pitched cry reverberated, massive panes of glass on a nearby skyscraper began to crack with a low creak. Several shattered, and a dozen or so fell from the heights, some smashing onto the sidewalk or hitting people, others crashing into streetlights.

"My god, that must be an S-class Black-Crowned Golden Eagle. Terrifying," Luo Yuan thought, hiding behind a wall as he watched the beast fly away, a lingering fear in his heart.

The city’s defensive systems covered altitudes up to five hundred meters. This flying monster was clearly above that height. Even from such a distance, its cry had such destructive power. Luo Yuan realized he must never underestimate the strength of these creatures. He resolved to keep a low profile until he grew much stronger.

Back at his apartment, Luo Yuan caught the faint scent of blood. He saw Xu Qian sitting on the sofa in the living room, watching a movie, her shoulder wrapped in white cloth stained with fresh blood.

"Qian, you’re hurt," Luo Yuan asked with concern.

"It’s nothing. Just got slashed by some despicable guy," Xu Qian replied casually, her tone flat.

"Um, Qian, could you tell me where I can quickly improve my combat skills?" Luo Yuan sensibly dropped the matter and changed the subject.

"If you want to improve your combat skills, what level are you at now?" Xu Qian asked, amused. She doubted Luo Yuan could have made much progress in just a week.

Seeing her teasing expression, Luo Yuan simply took out his advanced student certificate, causing Xu Qian, who was munching on sunflower seeds, to pause in surprise.

"Well, well, I didn’t expect you to be a prodigy. From an ordinary person to an advanced student in just a week—unbelievable," Xu Qian said, looking at Luo Yuan with a mix of admiration and curiosity.

"That’s not important, Qian. You haven’t answered my question yet," Luo Yuan pressed.

"Alright, since you’re already at this level, I can recommend two places. One is the underground dueling arena, where you can hone your combat skills and make money—but it’s dangerous; you’re betting with your life. The other option is to join my organization. We have virtual simulation equipment that recreates real-life scenarios. With my clearance, I could let you use it. Which would you prefer?" Xu Qian asked with interest, her beautiful eyes scrutinizing the young man before her. She knew that if she could bring Luo Yuan into her organization, the rewards would be limitless.

"Well, then can you tell me about your organization—and about yourself, too?" Luo Yuan asked, finally voicing the question that had long intrigued him. He knew nothing about this woman called Xu Qian.

ps: Esteemed readers, I beg for your support, for your votes, for your collections—Luo Yuan is at your service.